Connecting research to the community

When the average person thinks of a research centre, it is easy to visualise a busy centre full of many researchers conducting research across a variety of topics.

This is no different at the Matilda Centre, but undertaking complex and critical research and centre activities cannot be done by project and research leads on their own.  

To support the running of multiple projects, almost 100 staff members, and all the distribution of this research to a wider audience, professional staff engage and partner in critical roles throughout the Centre.  

Whether they are leading dissemination though the quarterly newsletter, managing the operations of the centre, undertaking research and providing research support, or keeping a project running, (and more!), there are many ways our professional team contribute to the development of high-quality research on mental health and substance use.  

We sat down with five professional staff at the Matilda Centre and discussed why they chose the Matilda Centre, and what is different about working there.  

Operations Manager

How does your role support the Matilda Centre? Operations and Centre Managers are catalysts and expediters! We navigate the complex administrative and policy frameworks that Universities need to have for our research teams.

Through our knowledge of processes and networks of experts and colleagues throughout the University, we ensure that high-quality research can be implemented and undertaken as quickly and easily as possible.  

How long have you been working here? Just under five years. I joined the Matilda Centre when it was newly established in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney.

What is different about working at the Matilda Centre?

The researchers and operational staff are passionate about a better tomorrow for everyone. With such a focus on the importance of mental health and well-being to individuals, communities and society, the Matilda Centre creates a place of exciting, rigorous and meaningful science and research, in the context of a Centre environment of wellbeing for all of our staff, students, affiliates, volunteers and guests.

The Centre strives to build and maintain a research space of collaboration, mutual respect and trust, where researchers and operations staff can be courageous and supported, and where success and challenges are shared.  It’s a Centre that strives to recognise and embrace diversity, where leadership is empowerment for everyone, and where our journey for a better tomorrow starts with us.

Research Assistant

How does your role support the Matilda Centre? My role involves assisting with research projects focused on adolescent lifestyle risk behaviours.

How long have you been working here? Two years

What is different about working at the Matilda Centre?  

I think what makes the Matilda Centre such a special place to work is the genuine passion every person has for finding solutions to improve mental health and substance use issues.  

No matter what level of staff you are, you are given opportunities for your voice to be heard, and people truly listen. It is pretty remarkable to work somewhere where the whole team is so supportive and will cheer on every achievement.

Senior Research Program Administrator 

How does your role support the Matilda Centre? I offer executive assistance to our Centre Director, Professor Maree Teesson, to our Director of Prevention, Professor Nicola Newton and to our Director of Early Intervention and Treatment, Professor Katherine Mills. In addition, I play a key role in the daily and strategic operations of the Centre.

How long have you been working here? I’ve been at the Matilda Centre since conception, and been working with the team for over 13 years  

What is different about working at the Matilda Centre?

The people! I’ve worked with Maree and the Executive team since 2010, and it’s not just the passion that Maree and the Exec have for their work, it’s that they can do high-impact, innovative research and still be incredibly kind and supportive to staff and students at all levels!  

Maree and the Executive genuinely want the next generation of researchers to thrive and feel like a part of their research family. We enjoy spending time with each other outside of work and Maree is so welcoming - it’s so much more than your standard workplace.  

I believe that there will never be another research centre where I feel so valued and appreciated at a personal level. I tell myself how lucky I am that I get to work in this type of environment every day, and being around Maree’s energy is so contagious and amazing for the soul and that is what’s better about working at the Matilda Centre!

Senior Research Program Officer  

How does your role support the Matilda Centre? I lead the Matilda Centre’s engagement with key funders, and I co-lead the operation of our Youth Advisory Board (YAB).  

How long have you been at the Matilda Centre? Since inception, but have been working with the team for seven years

What is different about working at the Matilda Centre?

At the heart of what makes the Matilda Centre an outstanding workplace lies the pivotal "people factor"—the warm and friendly faces, a nurturing and supportive environment, and the guidance of incredible mentors.  

Additionally, the flexibility ingrained in the work culture aids in the delicate balance of managing work and life. What sets the Matilda Centre apart is not only its commitment to our team but also its dedication to engaging with young people to undertake and share highly impactful research.  

It is a privilege to be a part of the Matilda Centre, and I look forward to seeing its impact grow over the next five and then 50 years!

Research Assistant

How does your role support the Matilda Centre? I am part of a research project looking into substance use in public sector employees, plus I support Matilda Centre communications as editor of our quarterly community newsletter.

How long have you been at the Matilda Centre? Almost two years!  

What is different about working at the Matilda Centre?

The people at the Matilda Centre are what makes this workplace stand out! Everyone is so welcoming and supportive and will push you to become a better researcher – whether that’s encouraging you to attend a conference for the first time, or, giving you the opportunity to lead a paper.

The Matilda Centre has opened so many doors for me to learn more and develop my skills as a researcher!  

Interested in learning more about the Matilda Centre and its research? Join our newsletter to learn more about the Matilda Centre and how our researchers make world-leading research.